SUNGAI PETANI: One year after being diagnosed with stage four synovial sarcoma, 12-year-old Akmal Hadi is still going strong and hopeful that a cure for his disease will be found.
Akmal, who is the eldest of three siblings, said that he is confident he will live longer than predicted by doctors, especially with the support of his loving family.
"I want to be a pilot when I grow up. I want to travel and see the world," he said with a weak voice.
His mother, Miza Pa' Wan Chik, 40, who was sitting beside him, could only smile at her son's wish.
Akmal and his mother were met at an orphanage home – Asrama Pertubuhan Asuhan dan Didikan Anak-Anak Yatim Miskin – in Kampung Che Bema, Sungai Layar, here today.
"I know that he is in pain, especially as (he has been) going through chemotherapy (since) July last year, but he has never complained or become discouraged.
"He is still motivated to continue to fight the cancer and (be cured), despite whatever the doctors tell us.
"He always tells me not to worry, as he is confident that he will live a long life," said Miza.
The mother and son had travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Petani via train just so that Akmal could fulfil his wish of visiting the state, while also making friends with children at the orphanage home.